Snakes and their importance to man kind

People often perceive snakes as animals to fear and hate, Snakes usually prefer to retreat when encountered but can become defensive if threatened. India is home to over 270 species of snakes, out of which 60 species are venomous.

Bangalore is home to 26 species of snakes, out of which 4 species are venomous. July 16 is celebrated as World Snakes Day to spread awareness about these species and to conserve them.

Photo Credit: Yashas Bharadwaj

Why do we need snake's around us?

Snakes are the natural rodents repellents, they control a variety of animal populations as predators, most notably rodents like rats.

Increase in rat’s population can be a cause for the spread of viruses and diseases as they can be carriers. Rats can loosen the ground soul, which may lead to the destruction of a building. This is where we see the importance of snakes, on average a rat snake can consume 600-800 rats in a year.

Photo Credit: Yashas Bharadwaj

Snakes are fascinating reptiles that are feared by mankind from the origin of history.

Across the world, snakes are symbolised as parts of their culture, religion, or even rituals.

There are thousands of myths that exists about snakes we are attempting to answer two major myths that revolve around snakes:-

Q1. Do snake drink milk?

NO – Snakes are lactose intolerant, Reptiles can neither produce nor consume milk, if they are force-fed it can’t be digested.

Snakes just don’t enter buildings intentionally, prey trail or its scent would have attracted and led to enter homes and surroundings.

Q2. Do snakes bite unnecessarily?

Most snake bites are received by people who try to capture or kill a snake. When left alone, snakes present little or no danger to people. Snake bites are curable, following proper first aid procedure and taking medicine on the right tie can save a life.

so, as a matter of fact snakes won't bite untill provoked.